Assess Site Conditions and Plan Excavation Depth

What happens here

Before beginning any digging, it's crucial to assess the site conditions, especially the soil. The video emphasizes that for a brand-new house where soil has recently been brought in by an excavator ("virgin soil"), a standard one-foot deep patio foundation is insufficient. This newly placed soil has not had time to settle, and building a patio on it could lead to future sinking. Therefore, the first step is to understand the need to excavate much deeper—around three feet—to reach the undisturbed, stable "virgin subgrade" beneath the fill. This strategic planning prevents future settlement issues.

Goal: Determine the appropriate excavation depth to ensure a stable patio foundation, considering soil type and history.